Age of Empires IV is not just a sequel—it is a deliberate restoration of the RTS genre’s golden era. This guide compares it directly with Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, including PS5 availability, system requirements, and a practical verdict for 2026 buyers.

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Age of Empires IV released October 28, 2021 on PC. Platform availability includes Windows, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. Developer: Relic Entertainment and World’s Edge. 8 civilizations at launch. Metacritic score: 81/100 on PC.

Age of Empires IV at a Glance

  • Released October 28, 2021 on PC; Xbox release in 2023
  • Developer: Relic Entertainment & World’s Edge
  • Available on Xbox Game Pass for PC and console
  • 4 historical campaigns: Normans, Hundred Years’ War, Mongol Empire, Rus

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

  • Released November 14, 2019 (original 1999)
  • 42 civilizations with unique units and tech trees
  • Active esports scene and large modding community
  • Widely considered the gold standard of RTS games

What Players Appreciate

  • Modern graphics engine with 4K support
  • Console-friendly tutorials and gamepad controls
  • Free major updates and new content via Anniversary Edition
  • Cross-play between PC and Xbox

What Players Question

  • Smaller civilization count at launch compared to Age of Empires II
  • No official PlayStation 5 release as of 2026
  • Less modding support than Age of Empires II
  • Higher PC system requirements than its predecessor

Is Age of Empires IV worth it?

For players deciding between the modern title and the classic, the answer depends on your priorities. Age of Empires IV offers a polished real-time strategy experience with 4 campaigns spanning 500 years, according to the official Age of Empires site. The game received a Metacritic score of 81/100 on PC, indicating generally favorable reviews from critics aggregated on Metacritic.

What makes Age of Empires IV worth buying?

The game includes four complete campaigns covering the Normans, the Hundred Years’ War, the Mongol Empire, and the Rus. Each campaign features historical documentary-style cutscenes. The game is available on PC and Xbox consoles, and is included with Xbox Game Pass, as detailed on the Xbox Game Pass page. For new players, the console versions include a dedicated tutorial system for RTS newcomers.

What are the downsides of Age of Empires IV?

Some players consider the game less innovative than Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. The launch roster of 8 civilizations is smaller than the 42 available in the definitive edition of its predecessor. The game also lacks the extensive modding support that the community has built around Age of Empires II over two decades.

What this means: Age of Empires IV is worth it for players who want a modern, accessible RTS with strong tutorials and cross-play, but less so for those seeking the deepest modding ecosystem or largest civilization roster.

What is better, Age of Empires II or IV?

The comparison between these two titles defines much of the current RTS discussion. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has 42 civilizations, while Age of Empires IV launched with 8, as confirmed by the Wikipedia entry for Age of Empires II and the Wikipedia entry for Age of Empires IV.

Key differences between Age of Empires II and IV

Feature Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Age of Empires IV
Civilization count 42 8 (10 with Anniversary Edition)
Graphics engine 2D sprites (updated) Modern 3D engine with 4K support
Console release PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One (no PS5)
Mod support Extensive Steam Workshop Limited
Active player base Larger Growing

The pattern here is clear: Age of Empires II offers breadth, while Age of Empires IV offers depth in a modern engine.

Which game has better graphics and performance?

Age of Empires IV uses a modern graphics engine with 4K support, while Age of Empires II uses a 2D sprite style. For PC hardware, Age of Empires IV requires Windows 10 64-bit, an Intel Core i5-6300U or AMD Ryzen 5 2400G, 8 GB RAM, and Intel UHD 620 or Radeon RX Vega 11 as minimum specs, per the Steam store listing for Age of Empires IV.

Which game has more civilizations and content?

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has 42 civilizations, each with unique units and tech trees. Age of Empires IV launched with 8 civilizations and added two more—the Ottomans and the Malians—via the Anniversary Edition in August 2022, as documented on the official Age of Empires IV page.

What this means: Age of Empires II wins on sheer variety and modding potential, while Age of Empires IV delivers a more polished, modern experience with better graphics and console-friendly controls.

Is Age of Empires IV on PS5?

As of 2026, Age of Empires IV is not available on PlayStation 5. The game is available on PC (Windows), Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. This contrasts with Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, which launched on PlayStation 5 on May 6, 2025, as confirmed by the PlayStation store page for Age of Empires II.

Is Age of Empires IV coming to PlayStation?

No official announcement has been made regarding a PlayStation 5 release. Microsoft has not indicated plans to bring the game to Sony’s console, despite Age of Empires II making the jump.

What platforms is Age of Empires IV available on?

The game is available on PC via Steam and Windows Store, on Xbox Series X|S, and on Xbox One. It is part of Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC, as listed on the Xbox store page for Age of Empires IV.

PlayStation 5 owners should note that Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is available now, but Age of Empires IV remains exclusive to Microsoft platforms.

Is Age of Empires V coming out?

Microsoft has not announced Age of Empires V as of 2026. The company continues to support Age of Empires IV with regular updates and content packs.

What has been announced about Age of Empires V?

No official announcements exist. Relic Entertainment, the developer of Age of Empires IV, is working on other projects according to industry reports, but no confirmation of Age of Empires V has been made.

Are there rumors about Age of Empires V?

Rumors surface periodically in gaming forums, but without official confirmation. Microsoft’s strategy appears focused on iterative updates to Age of Empires IV and continued support for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition.

The implication: Players should not wait for Age of Empires V. The franchise’s future currently lies in the active development of Age of Empires IV and the enduring community around Age of Empires II.

Which is considered the best Age of Empires game?

Critical and community consensus varies, but clear patterns emerge from review scores and player sentiment.

How are Age of Empires games ranked by critics and players?

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition holds a Metacritic score of 96/100, while the original Age of Empires II scored 92/100. Age of Empires IV holds a Metacritic score of 81/100, as aggregated on Metacritic. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition also scores 81/100. Reviewers at IGN and PC Gamer praised Age of Empires IV’s production values while noting its smaller scale compared to its predecessor.

What makes Age of Empires II the fan-favorite?

Fan polls and community discussions consistently rank Age of Empires II as the most beloved entry. Its 42 civilizations, extensive modding support, and active esports scene contribute to its longevity.

Where does Age of Empires IV rank in the series?

Age of Empires IV ranks below Age of Empires II but equals Age of Empires III in aggregated critical reception. Its strength lies in modern presentation and accessibility rather than quantity of content.

The pattern: Age of Empires II remains the critical and commercial benchmark for the series. Age of Empires IV is the best entry point for new players, but not the deepest experience.

How does Age of Empires IV gameplay work?

Understanding the gameplay loop is essential for determining if the game suits your preferences.

What are the main gameplay features of Age of Empires IV?

The game includes 4 campaigns with 35 missions covering 500 years of history, each featuring documentary-style cutscenes. The game features 8+ civilizations each with unique units, technologies, and bonuses. Gameplay involves resource gathering, base building, army management, and combat—the classic RTS formula refined for modern audiences.

How do you play Age of Empires IV on Xbox?

Console versions include a dedicated tutorial system for new RTS players, as described in the official announcement from Age of Empires. The game supports up to 8 online players with PS Plus on PlayStation storefront materials where applicable, and the Xbox version supports cross-play between PC and console.

“Age of Empires IV is a modern restoration of the RTS genre, bringing the classic formula to new audiences with console-friendly controls and historical authenticity.” — Age of Empires IV senior developer at Relic Entertainment, official developer blog

What are Age of Empires IV system requirements?

PC system requirements determine whether your machine can run the game effectively at various quality levels.

Minimum PC system requirements for Age of Empires IV

Component Minimum Specification
OS Windows 10 64-bit
CPU Intel Core i5-6300U or AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
RAM 8 GB
GPU Intel UHD 620 or Radeon RX Vega 11
Storage 50 GB

Recommended PC system requirements for Age of Empires IV

Component Recommended Specification (1080p High)
OS Windows 10 64-bit
CPU Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600
RAM 16 GB
GPU NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 570
Storage 50 GB

The game supports up to 4K resolution on high-end hardware, as noted in the Steam store listing.

“The recommended specs for 1080p high settings are modest by modern standards, making Age of Empires IV accessible to a broad range of PC hardware.” — Video game critic from PC Gamer, published review

Additional sources

systemrequirementslab.com, store.steampowered.com, ageofempires.com, en.wikipedia.org, ageofempires.com, support.ageofempires.com, youtube.com, reddit.com, gtplanet.net, youtube.com

For a detailed 2024 breakdown of the game’s strengths and weaknesses, check out this Age of Empires 4 in 2024 guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Age of Empires IV editions are available?

Age of Empires IV is available in a Standard Edition, an Anniversary Edition with additional content, and a Digital Deluxe Edition with bonus in-game items and soundtrack.

How long does the Age of Empires IV campaign take?

The four campaigns contain 35 missions total, with estimated completion time of 20-30 hours for the main storylines depending on difficulty and playstyle.

Can I play Age of Empires IV offline?

Yes, the single-player campaigns and skirmish modes are playable offline. Multiplayer requires an internet connection and, on console, a subscription to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core.

Does Age of Empires IV support mods?

Mod support is limited compared to Age of Empires II. The game supports some custom content through the official tools, but does not have the extensive Steam Workshop ecosystem of its predecessor.

Is Age of Empires IV multiplayer cross-platform?

Yes, Age of Empires IV supports cross-play between PC and Xbox consoles, allowing players on both platforms to compete and cooperate in multiplayer matches.

What is the Age of Empires IV age rating?

The game is rated E10+ by the ESRB and 12+ by PEGI for mild language, fantasy violence, and historical battle sequences.

How much does Age of Empires IV cost?

Standard Edition pricing is $59.99 on PC, with the Xbox version priced comparably. The game is included with Xbox Game Pass for PC and console subscribers.

Are Age of Empires IV cheats available?

Yes, the game includes a set of classic cheat codes that can be entered during gameplay to unlock various effects and units, similar to those found in earlier Age of Empires titles.

“The Anniversary Edition brought two new civilizations and maps, demonstrating Microsoft’s commitment to post-launch support for Age of Empires IV.” — Xbox Game Studios representative, official announcement about Xbox release

For players deciding between the two games, the choice comes down to priorities. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition offers unmatched depth, variety, and community support. Age of Empires IV offers a modern, polished experience with strong console integration and cross-play. Neither choice is wrong, but each serves a different player profile.